Zambia.

barry181091

Hey guys,

Im going over to Zambia at the end of March with my school for an Immersion project. Were going to Mazabuka. I'm just wondering if anyone know's, what is the status of electricity over there ? To charge the few gadgets I will have with me. I have a Powermonkey but I dont think that will do really

And if you could reccomend anything else to bring over to help the trip ?

Barry.

Quint

Supposed to be a very safe country. Try posting or searching herer: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forum.jspa?forumID=9&keywordid=56
Good luck with the trip

dinner's ready!

Hey!
You're so lucky to be heading out there, worked out there twice myself and absolutely loved it. Zambian people are so welcoming, it's a great country.
I was in Lusaka both times but passed through Mazabuka, we stopped to buy fruit I'd recommend that- it's so fresh, just been picked. But steer clear of any fruit that doesnt have removable skin....or you could end up with a yucky case of delhi belly!! :eek:
With regards to electricity I'm not entirely sure. As I was staying near the capital electricity wasn't really a problem although there we did get power cuts every so often. What type of accommodation are you staying in? That might help answer your question. The actual central part of Mazabuka was small enough from what I remember, mostly around small shops, clinic etc. I think it's a rural enough town from what I remember, but we passed through so many along the main Lusaka-Livingstone road it's hard to recall!
Other tips......let me see....
You're going in the summer? Contrary to popular belief Africa is not all blazing hot sun all year round. The months of June & July are actually the coldest, so bring warm clothing for the mornings and evenings. I remember it was so cold some mornings you could see your breath! But it does heat up around mid-day about mid-20's or so,so you will need sunscreen etc. With regards to mozzies, they're not a huge problem around that time of year luckily but again don't take any risks bring repellent, anti-malaria tablets etc. Can't think of much more at the moment- obviously the usual be careful about what you eat and drink etc. If you've any other questions just ask! What type of work are you going to be doing?

I'm so jealous of you heading over, I will be back again myself! If you get a chance head down to see the falls, they really are breath-taking. Best of luck!


Edit: just saw you're heading over end of March, as far as I know this is towards the end of the rainy season...could be wrong though

Diarmsquid

Hey,

I was in your shoes two years ago. I went on an Immersion Project with my school. We went to Mongu, in Western Zambia.

Really nice place. You'll have a great time.

As for electricity, we were really lucky in that we stayed in a newly built house , owned by the nuns there. It's right beside the Cheshire Home that they run. Electricity wasn't an issue at all.

What else to bring?
A guitar. We hassled our teachers about bringing one over, and they eventually let us. Best decision ever. We couldn't have lived without it. The kids loved it, and it was great to mess around with when you're winding down on the evening.

Also for the kids, we brought over a whole load of sweets. Stack up on the bags of sweets you get in the €2 shop. They went mental for them.

Pens too. The day of the FAS careers thing in Croke Park, they announced over the intercom in our school that any pens you get there could be donated to Zambia. We got loads. And they really appreciate them in Zambia.

Best of luck, and have a good trip.

barry181091

Hey Guys,

I thought no one had posted anything until now. Thanks so much for your posts. I will just assume there will be electricity there. Were staying down in Mazabuka for most of the time but we are visiting the falls and staying there for a night, and on the last night we are staying in a hotel in Lusaka. I hope to buy one of those cheap sim cards over there for my mobile :P Anyone have any experience with them ?

Dinner's ready!; I'll put you in my suit case if your small enough !

Barry.